Every year during Diwali, Indian families exchange dry fruits, sweets, or silver-plated bowls. These items are transactional; they are re-gifted, consumed, or left on a shelf to gather dust. We set out to ask: Can we create a festival gift that increases in value over a decade rather than disappearing in a week?
Our answer was the Brass Diya Token. We chose solid C360 brass — a grade of brass known for its golden luster, mechanical density, and beautiful aging properties. When machined and polished, it has a satisfying weight (around 35–40 grams) that makes the recipient instantly aware of its value. We file and polish each diya by hand, giving the edges a rounded patina that feels comfortable in the palm.
But the real magic lies inside. In the hollowed base of the brass token, we insert a micro-NFC tag insulated by a bio-resin pour. Brass naturally blocks radio waves, so we had to design a custom composite shield underneath the chip to guarantee it scans seamlessly when tapped against any smartphone. This lets families record personalized prayers, blessings from grandparents, or nostalgic family photographs. Whenever they tap it, those voices play in real-time — a warm digital flame that never blows out.
As the brass oxidizes over the years, the token will darken and take on a unique character reflecting the hands that held it. Sweets disappear, but these voices remain preserved.
